The definition of Bullying from “Saskatchewan Action Plan to Address Bullying & Cyberbullying”, 2013: Bullying is a relationship issue where one person or group repeatedly uses power and aggression to control or intentionally hurt, harm or intimidate another person or group. It is often based on another person’s appearance, abilities, culture, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity. Bullying can take many forms; physical, emotional, verbal, psychological or social. It can occur in person or though electronic communication.

Northwest School Division is committed to providing safe and respectful school environments.

Each school has developed guidelines and rules necessary for the establishment and maintenance of safe, positive environments; and various tools and programs are utilized to support students in this area.

Students and families are encouraged to communicate concerns to teachers and administrators and work directly with the school to resolve challenges that they may experience.

Division and school personnel understand the importance of engaging students, parents, school community councils and community agencies in the prevention of bullying.

We recognize that bullying behaviour is a complex issue, and welcome the involvement of families in working toward solutions.

Students and families have access to the Government of Saskatchewan’s anonymous online reporting tool, a key component in “Saskatchewan’s Action Plan to Address Bullying and Cyberbullying”. A link to this tool (I Am Stronger) and resources is provided on the home pages of the Northwest websites (and below).

Violence Threat Risk Assessment (VTRA)

Violence prevention in our schools and neighbourhoods is a shared community responsibility. All community partners work together to promote and maintain safety and to strive to prevent violence. The Northwest protocol was signed in June 2017 with key stakeholders, first in the Meadow Lake area, including: City of Meadow Lake, Flying Dust First Nation, Meadow Lake RCMP, North West College, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Health, and the Meadow Lake Fire Department.

The protocol will be renewed periodically and as more community partners become involved.

Supporting our School Communities in Crisis

Northwest School Division has a trained team of staff members at the school and division level to provide support when our school community experiences a traumatic event. This team is our Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team. If an incident occurs in one of our communities that could impact students or staff our division will communicate with families about the supports we have available.

In addition to this team we have documentation for parents and guardians with information about how to support their children, including outside agency contact information.

Ultimately, our division strives to support our communities in times of need. Please reach out to us.